Yorkshire Dales Walking Break – Malham, Grassington & Bolton Abbey
Join Large Outdoors for a 3-night walking break exploring some of the most well-known and varied landscapes in the Yorkshire Dales. Based in Gargrave, this trip combines limestone scenery, riverside paths and classic Dales villages, with fully guided walks and a sociable small group.
Each day heads to a different part of the southern Dales, giving a good mix of terrain and highlights without needing to move accommodation. Evenings are relaxed, with time to head out for a meal and unwind after a day on the trails.
Trip Overview
Location: Yorkshire Dales
Duration: 3 nights
Group Size: Max 8 (small group)
Style: Sociable walking break with hotel base
Walking Grade: Leisurely
Steady-paced, sociable walking with manageable distances and varied terrain, with time to stop and enjoy the surroundings.
Typical Distance: Around 6–8 miles per day. With plenty of time for breaks and photos at a relaxed pace.
Accommodation: Hotel
Room Type: Single, Twin, Double, Shared
Transport: Car-free option available (collection from Carlisle station)
Meals: Breakfasts included
Price: From £445 per person
Check Dates & Book Your Place
Select a date to view availability, room options and prices, and book your place to join Large Outdoors.
Dates & Availability
We run this trip on selected dates throughout the year.
Upcoming dates:
Monday 28 September - Thursday 1 October 2026
Simply select your preferred date in the booking box to check availability and book.
A Good Fit for You If…
You’re looking for a relaxed walking break with manageable daily distances
You enjoy a mix of scenery including rivers, limestone landscapes and villages
You’d like a trip where everything is organised, with no planning needed
You’re happy walking 6–8 miles a day at a steady pace
You enjoy meeting others and sharing the experience as part of a small group
Probably not for you if…
You’re looking for longer or more demanding walking days
You want to cover large distances or take on more challenging terrain
You prefer a faster-paced or more physically demanding trip
What people say
“A really enjoyable way to explore the Dales. Great routes, well organised, and a friendly group.”
Exploring the Yorkshire Dales
The southern Yorkshire Dales are known for their limestone landscapes, shaped over thousands of years into cliffs, pavements and valleys. This area combines open countryside with traditional villages and well-used walking routes.
Malham is one of the most recognised areas in the Dales, with its limestone cove and surrounding scenery drawing visitors year-round. Grassington offers a different feel, with riverside paths and woodlands, while Bolton Abbey brings together history and quieter walking along the River Wharfe.
Each area has its own character, giving variety across the weekend without long travel distances.
Here’s what’s included in your trip:
3 nights hotel accommodation (Premier Inn Skipton North, Gargrave)
Breakfasts each morning
Fully guided walks with an experienced Large Outdoors host
Station collection and drop-off (set times)
All transport during the trip where needed
What’s not included
Travel to and from Gargrave
Evening meals (taken in local pubs or restaurants)
Packed lunches and snacks
Drinks and personal expenses
Travel insurance
Highlights
Walking around Malham Cove and classic limestone scenery
Exploring riverside paths and woodland near Grassington
Visiting Bolton Abbey and walking along the River Wharfe
A mix of open views, valleys and village settings
Sociable evenings with the group after each day’s walk
Suggested Itinerary
Each day is planned to give you a mix of walking and exploring the area. Routes and timings may vary depending on weather and group pace.
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Arrive at the hotel from 15:00. Your host will meet the group at 18:00 before heading out for dinner. A station collection is available at 17:00 from Gargrave.
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Today’s walk explores the area around Grassington, following riverside paths and woodland trails. Highlights include Linton Falls and sections of the River Wharfe. The route offers a mix of gentle terrain and open views, with time to stop along the way.
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The focus today is on the limestone scenery around Malham. The route takes in Malham Cove and nearby features such as Janet’s Foss. Expect well-used paths, some uneven ground, and a mix of open and sheltered sections.
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The final day explores Bolton Abbey, with a shorter circular walk along the River Wharfe. There’s time to take in the abbey ruins and enjoy a relaxed finish before returning to Gargrave for around 16:00.
Getting There & Accommodation
Here’s everything you need to know about getting there and where you’ll be staying.
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If you’re driving or not using the station collection, you can arrive from 15:00.
The group will meet at 18:00 before heading out for dinner.
Meeting Location:
Premier Inn Skipton North (Gargrave)
Hellifield Road
Gargrave
Skipton
BD23 3NBFree parking is available at the hotel.
Optional Station Pick-Up:
A free collection is available from Gargrave train station at 17:00 on Day 1.Return Travel:
Drop-off at Gargrave station is around 16:00 on Day 4. We recommend booking an open return ticket.Finish Time:
We aim to finish between 15:00 and 16:00, depending on the group and the day’s walk. -
You’ll be staying at the Premier Inn Skipton North in Gargrave, offering a comfortable and practical base for the trip.
Rooms are available as single, twin, double, or shared options.
Breakfast is included each morning. Evenings are spent heading out to local pubs and restaurants with the group.
Ready to book?
Select a date to view availability, room options and prices, and book your place to join Large Outdoors.
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